Repowering for the Future

Following completion of the work at Fox's in Ipswich the delivery passage revealed a mechanical issue with the original 15 year old Perkins Sabre M115T engine. The decision to repower Moana with a brand new Volvo Penta was easy one to make. The new engine will offer greater security, reduce emissions, increase efficiency and have a modern control and information system linking into the NMEA 2000 network. With Golden Arrow, MDL and Oyster all within metres of Moana's berth at Saxon Wharf the opportunity to repower couldn't be missed.

After a detailed assessment of the internal dimensions of the engine room and ancillaries, position and condition of the existing stringers, electrical requirements, gearbox ratios and propeller pitch, the selection fell clearly to a Volvo Penta D3 110 with a new gearbox linking with the Aquadrive. The existing 2nd Mastervolt 150A/24v alternator will be overhauled and reused for the domestic battery bank and the twin engine start batteries will be converted from 24v, in series, to 12v duty/standby, with a common switch-over to the 12v generator battery. The old Perkins with the Hurth gearbox has already been sold on and will be rebuilt locally.

Combined with the recent work and upgrades, the installation of the new auxillary power unit now fully modernises Moana ready for the future.